Visualizing a group of sorting algorithms in action has its appeal, but it would be much more interesting if, somehow, it were possible to sonify the execution of each one. Developer Timo Bingmann did exactly that in a six-minute video with fifteen different examples. The result is excellent.
Algorithms are a must-stop for anyone looking to get involved in programming. The end user has little to do with them, so they tend to be a kind of unsung heroes. Developer Timo Bingmann decided to bring algorithms to the front through a curious project called “The Sound of Sorting”. Based on a total of fifteen sorting algorithms, he not only added a visual component to their operation, but also an audio one. Every time values are compared, a sound effect is generated that quickly reminds us of Pac-Man, or those eternal battles in River Raid for Atari 2600.
The List of Algorithms
The list of algorithms is made up of selection, insertion, quick, merge, heap, radix (LSD), radix (MSD), std::sort, std::stable_sort, shell, bubble, cocktail shaker, gnome, bitonic, and bogosort, the last lasting thirty seconds. However, the project is not limited to YouTube videos. From its main page you can download binaries compatible with Windows and Linux, or directly obtain the source code to modify it.
With several parameters available, and a wider list, this demo of sonified algorithms can become an extraordinary source of sound effects (the project is open source, and there don't seem to be any restrictions in that regard). If you want to see and hear more about these algorithms, Bingmann has also published several videos on his YouTube channel. And for those wondering, no, bogosort has no implementation problem, and it's supposed to behave that way. Its utility is strictly educational, though it has also had its share of jokes.
